3.17

This policy addresses a number of environmental issues including flood risk, coastal change and biodiversity. Whilst we are generally supportive of the policies ambitions, including points 1 (i-ii) and 2 (i-iii), the policy only relates to the Seafront area of Southend. These environmental issues will however also need to be considered for development in other areas of the Borough. We have considered this concern and although there is not another policy in the Development Management DPD which will address these issues, policy KP1 and KP2 of the adopted Core Strategy does include general development principles on these issues. Therefore, whilst it is disappointing that a more detailed policy on issues such as fluvial and surface flood risk has not been included, we do not feel there is sufficient reason to raise this as a soundness issue.

We also note that the supporting text does provide some commentary which is applicable to elsewhere in the Borough, particularly with regards to managing flood risk and coastal change. With regards to this the council should be aware that any funding provided by us for flood defences is not guaranteed and future investment in flood defences will require greater contributions from communities and businesses. We are also disappointed to note that point 2(i) in Issues and Option policy DM7 has been removed. This required an emergency plan to be in place for developments and forms an part of managing flood risk and ensuring people remain safe. We assume this amendment has been discussed with and got agreement from your emergency planning department in accordance with PPS 25.